An exclusive report is an article that gives a journalist or media outlet sole access to a story before it’s published elsewhere. In other words, the journalist gets “first dibs.” An exclusive can be a powerful tool in building momentum and getting a story noticed among the din of competing announcements and news.
To successfully pitch an exclusive, it’s important to select the journalists and media outlets that best align with your audience and goals. It’s also helpful to research their editorial focus and previous coverage in order to understand what type of information they typically cover. It’s also important to provide high-resolution images and any other documentation that expedites the reporting process. And, finally, to make the most of an exclusive, it’s essential to set clear expectations about the scope and duration of the exclusivity.
Gating content can add exclusivity and create an incentive for readers to share the news with others, but it’s important to balance this with limited-time offers that still allow audiences to gain value from the information they need. Also, it’s crucial to be prepared for hiccups when working with reporters.
As with any piece of content, it’s critical to conduct thorough research and include unique, relevant, and insightful information. It’s also important to use clear and concise language and edit and revise the article as needed. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to read the piece out loud to catch grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.